Chester County leaders taking steps in challenge

July has come and gone, but for those who participated in the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley’s Chester County Leaders for Healthy Living Challenge, the experience is long-lasting. During July, the participants logged 1,403,753 steps which amounted to 671.77 miles, burning 65,883 calories.

Here are some of their comments:

“Walking with the Actiped provided a great incentive to park farther, get up and walk more during the day, and overall become more physically active. Another great bonus is that my children are now excited to walk with me so we can log onto the website and see how many steps I walked. Thank you for this opportunity to jump start healthy living for my family!” Marcia Shirilla, associate executive director, Jennersville YMCA

“After this month it was a great reality check on how active one really is and improving one’s life style is a great investment.” Chris Curtin, chef/owner of Éclat Chocolate

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“Although I consider myself fairly active, the Healthy Living Challenge was a great reminder that fitness and healthy living is a lifestyle that requires you to make good choices on a daily basis.” Blake Krapf, CEO, Krapf Bus Companies

August participants were asked why this initiative is important to them.

Mary Bigham, owner/founder of The Town Dish: “It’s no secret that I am a lover of all things food. When you cover culinary events and news for a living you have to have an ‘all things in moderation’ mentality in order to have a healthy lifestyle. While I enjoy the entire dining out experience, I am sure to balance that with healthy cooking and eating at home. In an effort to maintain healthy body image and confidence, I have intentionally not stepped on a scale in years to ensure that my focus is on how I feel and not a number. Now, however, I am eager to focus on a different digit in regards to my health and that’s how many steps I will be taking throughout the month of August and I’m excited to embark on this month-long healthy living challenge as a leader in Chester County. ”

George Davis, marketing manager, ServiceMark: “I feel it is important to set an example to my family, the community and my coworkers! ServiceMark encourages its employees to live healthier lives through participation in a program called “All One” as well as our strategic relationship with the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley as a major program sponsor and Corporate Membership partner. By participating in the walking program I can continue to demonstrate the importance of regular exercise and get a handle on where I should be doing more to stay fit. I’m sure I will gain a better insight into my daily habits and learn how to increase my activity level in new ways! “

Terri Edgar, executive director, West Chester Area YMCA: “It is important for me to stay active and healthy because I want to be a positive role model for my daughter, Reese (pictured with her), who is 8. I love to play outside with her and being able to keep up with her is important to me. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle has always been a challenge for me, as I am a health seeker who struggles with staying as active as I would like. Being a part of the YMCA family has been a huge support for me as I continue on my health and wellness journey. The encouragement I get from both members and staff to continue to make my heath a priority has been wonderful, and I’m looking forward to the additional incentive of adding steps to my day to increase my overall health and activity level.“

Ryan J.Q. Clark, founder of PeopleShare: “I thoroughly believe in this program as I believe fitness and health are some of the biggest opportunities in our country today. Being and staying healthy are key factors for our children to learn.”

Denise C. Werkley, attorney at Law Unruh Turner Burke & Frees: “Having a position that requires many hours of sitting behind a desk means it is important to find alternative ways to stay active. The YMCA Challenge gives me a chance to focus on my activity level and keep it where I am comfortable, while also allowing me to be involved in a community activity. It’s the best of all worlds!”

Chuck DiLabbio, head of facilities and site operations for Sikorsky Helicopter: “Staying active and healthy is so important to living a balanced life. I look forward to setting a good example for my family, friends and coworkers.”

Angie Thompson-Lobb, board member, Jennersville YMCA: “I am participating to set an example to my family and employees. It is important to take responsibility for my own good health. The Y affords me the opportunities to accomplish this personal goal.”

Andy Hachadorian, editor, Daily Local News: “Since I dropped the ball and had trouble getting my walking equipment and software set up until mid-July, I volunteered and humbly accept a second month of using it. It’s actually fun and I have found myself making sure I switch it to whatever footwear I am using. I even tried it on my hockey skates! It actually works on ice skates. Almost.”